Winter Sports Injuries

Winter Sports Injuries

Australia is a sports-loving nation, as both participants and spectators. Australia’s mild winters mean that in most parts of Australia, participation in outdoor exercise and sports can occur all year round. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over 60% of Australians participate in sports and exercise programs.

The Medibank Private Safe Sports Report found that their member’s main motivation to exercise were (in order): general health and fitness, weight loss, to have fun and enjoy social benefits.

The report also revealed that ‘individual’ rather than ‘team-based’ activities were the most popular. This is consistent with published data from the ABS Year Book. Walking, aerobics, fitness, swimming and golf ranked among the top five participation sports/physical activities.

According to the Monash University Accident Research Centre approximately 5.2 M Australians suffer a sports-related injury each year. Surveys indicate that the most common injuries (in order) are to the knee, ankle, foot, back and shoulder.

Statistically, sports injuries peak in the months of May, June and July. This is not surprising because cold muscles, tendons and ligaments increase your risk of sustaining injury.

The fear of sustaining a sports injury should not deter someone from participating in winter exercise/sport. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the probability of developing heart disease, diabetes, mental illness and many types of cancer (particularly breast and colon cancer). The benefits certainly outweigh the risks.

Dr Peter Larkins is a noted sports medicine specialist (as well as being an Olympic athlete and media personality) in Australia. In order to reduce the risk of a winter sports injury, Dr Larkins recommends:

Get the correct advice on the right activity program for you

Warm up and cool down

Have the correct equipment for your activity

Begin slowly and gradually build up to the challenge

Keep hydrated

Listen to your body

Give yourself one or two recovery days each week

Rest an injury, don’t try to ‘work through’ the pain

Progress at your own pace and don’t overdo it

Before beginning any exercise program, it is advised that you visit with your Osteopath, especially if you have had a previous injury or musculoskeletal condition. Your Osteopath is trained to assess/evaluate your body and offer valuable advice to assist you in preventing winter sports injuries.

Regular exercise and Osteopathy care are recommended for a healthy lifestyle.